Crime Alert

Residence Hall student reports sexual assault, police investigating

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State University Police are investigating a reported sexual assault of an 18-year-old student that occurred in East Holden Hall, located off Wilson Road, at 5:55 p.m. Jan. 21.   The woman told police she was assaulted by a man claiming to be soliciting donations for a charitable organization. After she opened the door to offer a donation, the suspect wrapped his arms around her and touched her inappropriately.   The student pushed the suspect and told him to leave the room. At that point, the suspect fled and the woman called the police.

Police canvassed the area and learned that the suspect had been soliciting in both Holden and Wilson halls. The student described the suspect as a black man between the ages of age 35 to 40, between 5 feet 10 inches to 6 feet  tall, stocky build, wearing a tan coat with fur collar and blue jeans. The suspect also was carrying a black backpack.    Police are investigating this as a fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct, which involves unlawful touching, and is a two-year misdemeanor if convicted.

Police are asking anyone who may have information about this incident to contact the department at (517) 355-2222.

Safety Tips

Here are some safety tips from the MSU Police:

  1. Call 911 if you are in danger.
  2. Do not prop open locked residence hall doors.
  3. Be aware of your surroundings and others in the area.
  4. Lock your room door when sleeping, and when leaving a roommate asleep.
  5. Use peepholes to identify visitors.
  6. Do not take in overnight guest whom you do not know.
  7. Be aware of people loitering or checking doors in your hall. Note their description and call the police.
  8. Require identification and authorization from maintenance staff requesting access to your room for any reason.
  9. University rules prohibit solicitation on campus.

Services Available

CATA Bus Customer Services

(517) 432-2282, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. and weekends 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.

CATA Night Owl

(517) 432-8888, Monday through Friday, 2 a.m.-7a.m.

Use any campus green light phone to call the CATA Night Owl. The bus will arrive within 20 minutes of calling.

For information on IM self-defense classes on campus, call (517) 432-2661.